Preview: Blue Ridge Fighting Tigers vs. Pendleton Bulldogs
The Blue Ridge Fighting Tigers will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against the Pendleton Bulldogs at 6:30 p.m. Expect the scorekeeper to be kept busy: if their previous games are any indication, the pair will really light up the scoreboard.
Last Thursday, it was a hard-fought match, but Blue Ridge had to settle for a 57-55 loss against Travelers Rest.
Nash Somero put forth a good effort for the losing side as he scored 28 points. He is on a roll when it comes to points, as he's now scored 15 or more in the last 14 games he's played. Paul Bishop was another key contributor, scoring 12 points along with three steals.
Meanwhile, Pendleton came up short against Walhalla on Tuesday and fell 75-68. Pendleton has now taken an 'L' in back-to-back games.
Luke Gray put forth a good effort for the losing side as he scored 37 points along with eight steals. As a matter of fact, that's the most points he has scored all season. The team also got some help courtesy of Kory Jones, who scored 11 points.
Blue Ridge's defeat dropped their record down to 11-15. As for Pendleton, their defeat dropped their record down to 14-12.
This contest is one where the number of possessions is likely to be a big factor: Blue Ridge have been smashing the glass this season, having averaged 28.5 rebounds per game. However, it's not like Pendleton struggles in that department as they've been averaging 25.3 rebounds per game. Given these competing strengths, it'll be interesting to see how their clash plays out.
Blue Ridge came up short against Pendleton in their previous matchup back in November of 2017, falling 60-52. Thankfully for Blue Ridge, Jamal Blakley (who scored 14 points along with eight assists) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
